Support Danita Whitmer's Battle with Rare Cancer

Most of you have been unaware of the health issues of my mother, Danita Whitmer, these last couple of years. I'm creating this page to enhance awareness of her condition and to hopefully receive financial support from anyone who is able. When I discussed starting a fundraising expedition for her, Danita stated, "I don't want anyone to help if they are not able to". This is exactly the way she has lived her entire life: helping others and expecting nothing in return.

Unfortunately, the ability for her to be so generous has run its course and she is the one in need of support now. Being her only daughter and having had some schooling in the medical field, I'm grateful to be able to take her to all appointments and procedures. I have a small understanding of the complex issues that come with her cancer, which makes it imperative for me to attend every doctor visit. I have also moved her into my home in order to care for her 24 hours per day when necessary. My employment has been exceptionally understanding of my need of dependent care for Danita, but I am only allotted a certain amount of paid vacation time per year. I am quickly running out of that paid time off, which is where this page comes in. Also, Danita was planning on working part time to pay off a few debts she has as well, which I would like to help out with because she is now unable to work at all.

My brothers, sister-in-law, and a couple of other family members help whenever they can, but there is no way to be able to plan for the future due to the rarity of Danita's cancer and comorbidities. Her diagnosis is Stage 4 bladder cancer; however, this type of cancer is extremely rare. It is seen in less than 10% of all bladder cancers. The Mayo Clinic tested the gene mutation and discovered that these cancer cells are typically seen in colon cancers. No one, including the Mayo Clinic, has much data for treatments, expectations, or timing. This means that all of the treatments Danita is undergoing are slightly experimental.

Currently, Danita has chemotherapy treatments every two weeks. This consists of 48 hours of slow infusion, which she does at home through a pump and port after the initial few hours of a doctor visit. We also make frequent trips to the emergency department as issues often arise. The ambulance rides, hotel rooms and fuel costs all add up on top of the normal living expenses.

There is no cure for this cancer. We are merely trying to control it to create the best for the rest of her life. We pray that the rest of her life is long and happy. Anything helps us and is GREATLY appreciated!